Food Intolerances

This week I am going to talk about diet changes. From talking to people, I am seeing that different foods bother different people. It is a good idea to try eliminating foods that may aggravate IBS symptoms. This should be done with the help of a healthcare provider in order so that symptoms do not become worse or cause new problems when a food group is omitted.

There are a wide range of food intolerance food in people with IBS. The most common one is Lactose intolerant. Lactose is the sugar food in milk and dairy products. Lactose intolerant can aggravate IBS or cause symptoms similar to IBS. Lactose containing products should be eliminated for two weeks. If IBS symptoms improve, the person may want to continue avoiding lactose. If symptoms do not improve, the person may resume eating lactose-containing foods. They then can try eliminating other foods.

What dairy foods will a person see the biggest difference? High concentration of lactose is found in milk and ice cream. Smaller quantities are in yogurt, cottage and other cheeses and any prepared foods that contain these ingredients. For more information see: http://www.lactoseintolerant.org/

Another food group intolerance that is commonly found in people with IBS is grains. They have a problem with the protein, called gluten found in grains.  Many people find that their IBS symptoms improved on a gluten-free diet. Now some of may be thinking that those people most have Celiac disease. This may be true. This disease is when the consumption of gluten causes damage to the small intestines. This leads to malabsorption of important nutrients, which can lead to other serious health problems.

Studies show that there is an increased risk of IBS patients to suffer from Celiac disease. When a person comes to a doctor with symptoms of IBS, the doctor will probably test for celiac disease because the symptoms are similar. Once Celiac disease is diagnosed, a gluten-free diet should be followed and symptoms should improve. However, some people suffer IBS in addition to Celiac disease so they may still have symptoms on a gluten-free diet. There is a new focus of research on sensitivity to gluten without Celiac disease.

Gluten is found in wheat, rye and barley. Gluten is present in many foods that we eat. Cereals, breads, and other baked goods and gluten is also frequently used as a food additive for many products.  Here is one site on gluten-free diet, you may want to research more if you believe you have this condition. Gluten-free diet

GUT journal-“Food Intolerance and the Irritable Bowel Syndrome” 

UpToDate-“Patient information: Irritable bowel syndrome (Beyond the Basics)” 

About.com-“IBS and Gluten Intolerance”